Directions

Whisk together oil,
half-and-half, sugar, vanilla,
coconut extract, and whole
egg in a separate bowl until
smooth. Fold in flour mixture
just until incorporated. Beat
egg whites with an electric
mixer on medium-high speed
until stiff peaks form, 1 to
2 minutes. Fold egg whites
into batter just until
combined.

Divide batter among
prepared pans. Bake until a
toothpick inserted in the
center comes out clean, 18
to 22 minutes. Cool in pans
on a wire rack for 15 minutes,
then invert onto racks to
cool completely.

Place one layer on a
cake plate and frost top with
1 cup Coconut Buttercream.
Repeat two more times.
Frost sides with remaining
Coconut Buttercream.

Stir together food coloring
and 2 drops water in a bowl.
Dip the tip of a wide, stiff
paintbrush into the mixture.
Holding the brush 6 to 8
inches from the cake, gently
fling the mixture onto iced
cake. Repeat for desired
effect. Spread Phyllo Nest
around the base of the cake,
and nestle candies in nest.